Last 5 Meetings

Relegated Morton want to salvage some pride between now and the end of the season starting with a win over Championship leaders Dundee at Cappielow.

Last weekend’s 2-0 defeat from Barry Smith’s Alloa confirmed that the Greenock side will be playing League 1 football next season and manager Kenny Shiels said: “We have not been able to prevent relegation however what we can do is get some pride back into the football club after a disappointing season.”

“We will look to do that against a very formidable Dundee side that will be looking to keep control of top spot with a win. We have won our last two home games at our place and we will be going all out to make that three even though I know that our opponents will be desperate for a win.”

The former Kilmarnock manager is hoping that defeating Dundee will put down a marker for next season as he explained: “Everything we do now has our next campaign in mind and if we can win this game and finish the season strongly we will be building up anticipation. We will have young players including Craig Knight and Mark Russell involved in this game.”

“It will be a real test for them as Dundee are strong but it is a great opportunity for them to get experience that will help them. Dundee need the win to help them look for the title this season but we have to make it hard for them.”

“We don’t want to spoil anything all we want to do is put points on board that will make this club start to feel better about themselves.”

Shiels has ruled out the injured Ben Sampayo, Marc Fitzpatrick, Reece Hands, David O’Brien and former Scotland man Garry O’Connor with ex-St Johnstone player David Robertson and Joe McKee rated as doubts due to knocks.

The Dark Blue leaders will look to keep control of top spot by seeing off the doomed Greenock men and they welcome Gary Irvine back from a ban to help.

Irvine faces competition for his place as Cameron Kerr is included again after impressing manager Paul Hartley on his debut last week. A knee injury keeps Craig Beattie out with Steven Doris missing with a groin problem.

Hartley said: “We will win this game if we show the right attitude. We cannot show any complacency as Morton can now play without any fear and that makes them very dangerous opponents.”

“The players were terrific against Cowdenbeath last weekend both in their attitude and application. Another 90 minutes like that and we should have another 3 points.”